As a debut set, “Untitled” by Billy Porter was extremely strong, and is situated firmly in the more traditional and quality soul mode than many of the more urban releases that were – and still are – filling the shelves in the late 1990s. This is a set that one could have expected from the late '80s or the early '90s. The guy himself has a very strong voice that he employs with good effect. It's a shame that we have not yet had a follow-up album, but Billy can be heard adding vocals to a classy Garage tune now and again. And this is equally as good for me. “Untitled” is an extremely consistent set, and starts in a really strong manner with his faithful cover of Glenn Jones' 1984 classic from “Finesse”, Show Me. The music here is all-real, filled with live instruments, and does the record a great service. I have too many favourites to actually describe the whole album, but I'll pinpoint a few cream cuts so that you can get a better overall picture.
The funky, slap-bass guitar filled “I'll Do Anything is as good as anything you will hear in the late 1990s, and complements Billy's vocal talents perfectly. My favourite song on here is the brilliant “For Your Love”, a track that makes use of proper musicians, real instruments and soulful singing. Unlike most new male artists at the time, Billy neither has to shout, whine, dress like a clown or use risqué or suggestive lyrics to make his mark - his talent and the quality production and material are more than adequate. Check out the gorgeously delicate “Maybe I'm Amazed” and you'll be in no doubt about the calibre of this new young artist. The CD closes on a real quality moment: “Untitled” is the type of slow tune that we could have expected from Michael Wycoff on his “Love Conquers All” set, the warm Fender Rhodes and the vocal phrasing just ooze a timeless classy feel. This album and this artist falls into the 'sophistisoul' category without a doubt. Essential.
The Vibe Scribe
